The Truth About IIT Madras BS Data Science - Placements, Salaries & Future Prospects
What does it mean to be an IIT alumni? It opens rooms for various new career prospects and entrepreneurial avenues. From higher education opportunities to internships and job placements, IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme has created a variety of career paths for students.
This Story also Contains
- Career Progression After BS Data Science Programme
- Before vs After: Salary Insights
- Future Prospects of IIT Madras BS Data Science
- The Programme Advantage
The programme, with advanced data science and AI education and real-world applications, has enabled students to secure internships and job offers across the levels – Foundation, Diploma, and Degree. Not only this, many students applied for masters and PhD programmes within and outside India. Additionally, many students obtained top ranks in GATE 2025.
Career Progression After BS Data Science Programme
The IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme saw students securing unparalleled opportunities not only through its placement cell but also on their own.
Career Opportunities: Internships and Job Placements
| Category | May 2024 | Sep 2024 | Jan 2025 | Total Number of Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Self-secured Internships | 1,134 | 1,237 | 862 | 3,233 |
Self-secured Jobs | 358 | 567 | 471 | 1,396 |
Internships via IIC | 40 | 49 | 29 | 118 |
Jobs via IIC | 5 | 3 | 8 | 16 |
The data shows 3,233 students received internships and 1,396 students secured job offers on their own across May-September 2024 and January 2025. On the other hand, 118 students secured internships and 16 students received job offers through IIT Madras’ Industry Interaction Cell (IIC). This reflects that a majority of students gained opportunities on their own through personal networks or independent applications.
Stipend Insights
| Stipend Range (per month) | May 2024 | Sep 2024 | Jan 2025 | Total Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rs 10,001 – Rs 30,000 | 390 | 373 | 187 | 950 |
Rs 30,001 – Rs 50,000 | 78 | 102 | 50 | 230 |
Rs 50,001 – Rs 1,00,000+ | 33 | 35 | 19 | 87 |
Below ₹10,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
From May 2024 – January 2025, 1,267 students received internships within the Rs 10-50K+/month stipend range. Most students earned Rs 10-30K/month, while 87 students landed Rs 50K to Rs 60K/month offers.
IIC-facilitated Internships: Stipend Insights
| Particular | Stipend (per month) |
|---|---|
Median | Rs 27,705 |
Highest | Rs 60,000 |
Minimum | Rs 10,000 |
The internships facilitated by the IIT Madras placement cell (IIC) provide students with a valuable opportunity, with a median stipend of Rs 27,705 per month. Some students managed to secure internships at Rs 60,000 per month. This highlights companies value skills and potential of IIT Madras BS Data Science students, which help them gain a competitive advantage in the job market.
Full Time Jobs: Salary Insights
| Salary Range (per annum) | May 2024 | Sep 2024 | Jan 2025 | Total Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
<5 LPA | 210 | 349 | 225 | 784 |
Rs 5-10 LPA | 90 | 166 | 144 | 400 |
Rs 10-20 LPA | 68 | 105 | 60 | 233 |
> 20 LPA | 29 | 38 | 26 | 93 |
This shows students earned promising salaries on their own. A majority of students secured jobs with salaries ranging between Rs 5 LPA and Rs 10 LPA. Additionally, there are some high-performers, basically working professionals with prior experience, securing job offers above Rs 20 LPA.
IIC-facilitated Jobs: Salary Insights
| Particular | Salary (per annum) |
|---|---|
Median | Rs 8,09,230 |
Highest | Rs 15,00,000 |
Minimum | Rs 3,60,000 |
The full-time job placements through IIC for IIT Madras BS Data Science students reflect the high demand for data science skills across industries. While the median package crossed over Rs 8 LPA, the highest salary reached Rs 15 LPA.
Before vs After: Salary Insights
When doing the IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme, most students’ income level was around Rs 5 LPA, with some falling below Rs 1 LPA and within the Rs 1-5 LPA salary range.
Income Level when Doing the Programme (2024)
| Level Completed | <1 LPA | 1 to 5 LPA | >5 LPA | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BS Completed | 9 | 4 | 86 | 99 |
BSc Completed | 3 | 3 | 26 | 32 |
Total | 12 | 7 | 112 | 131 |
This means a significant portion of students (112) were earning above Rs 5 LPA while completing the degree. Additionally, 7 students were earning between Rs 1 and Rs 5 LPA.
Salary Package After the Programme (2024)
| Salary Range | Number of Students |
|---|---|
Rs < 5 LPA | 12 |
Rs 5-10 LPA | 21 |
Rs 10-15 LPA | 14 |
Rs 15-25 LPA | 4 |
Rs 25-50 LPA | 5 |
Not willing to disclose | 27 |
Grand Total | 83 |
The salary after the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme shows a considerable rise. While most students fell within the Rs 5-15 LPA salary range, some have secured higher package jobs within the Rs 25-50 LPA salary range.
The data was collected from the Batch of 2024, which is the group of students who completed a BSc degree of the full BS degree in 2023 and were tracked by December 2024.
Note: The post-graduation salary package demonstrates the significant salary growth, with the highest salary reaching Rs 50 LPA, when compared to the income level of students during the programme, with mostly earning Rs >5 LPA.
Future Prospects of IIT Madras BS Data Science
After completing the BS Degree in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras, many students applied for admissions to Indian and foreign universities for higher studies such as masters and PhD programmes.
Students Applied for Admissions Abroad
| Level | May 2024 | September 2024 | January 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Foundation | 16 | 14 | 108 | 138 |
Diploma | 83 | 67 | 303 | 453 |
Degree | 18 | 15 | 60 | 93 |
Total | 117 | 96 | 471 | 684 |
The data shows a strong interest of IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications students in pursuing higher education outside India. In May 2024, a total of 117 students applied for admissions abroad. In September 2024, the total number of students applied was 96.
By January 2025, there was a significant rise in the number of students, with 471 students from across the levels applying for further education at international institutions.
Students Applied for Admissions to IITs /IISERs /IIMs
| Term | May 2024 | September 2024 | January 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Foundation | 27 | 47 | 36 | 110 |
Diploma | 86 | 122 | 84 | 292 |
Degree | 8 | 17 | 15 | 40 |
Total | 121 | 186 | 135 | 442 |
Apart from admissions abroad, many IIT Madras BS Data Science students applied for admissions to premier Indian institutions such as IITs, IISERs, and IIMs. In May 2024, 27 students from the Foundation level, 86 from the Diploma level, and 8 from the Degree level, totaling 121 students, applied for these institutions.
By September 2024, applications increased, reaching the total to 186 students, and in January 2025, the total number of students applied was 135.
Students Applied for Admissions to Other Indian Universities
| Term | May 2024 | September 2024 | January 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Foundation | 113 | 173 | 139 | 425 |
Diploma | 225 | 281 | 212 | 718 |
Degree | 15 | 21 | 8 | 44 |
Total | 353 | 475 | 359 | 1,187 |
A significant number of IIT Madras BS Data Science students (1,187) have applied for admissions to other Indian universities. Across May–September 2024 and January 2025, 425 Foundation students, 718 Diploma students, and 44 Degree students applied for admissions to other Indian universities for higher studies.
Note: The data on higher education opportunities highlights that 684 students opted for higher studies abroad, while 1,629 students applied for admission to Indian institutions.
The Programme Advantage
Students have benefited from the IIT Madras BS Data Science and Applications programme not only in employment and higher education but also in competitive exams such as GATE. In GATE 2025, three students have secured top ranks (1, 7, and 10) in the Data Science and AI paper.
GATE Performance (2024 & 2025)
| Rank (2024) | Rank (2025) |
|---|---|
8 | 1 |
11 | 7 |
15 | 10 |
17 | 29 |
29 | 38 |
79 | 56 |
94 | 76 |
The GATE performance of IIT Madras BS Data Science students in 2024 and 2025 demonstrates their strong technical foundation in data science and AI. In GATE 2024, students secured impressive ranks, including 8, 11, and 15. However, in GATE 2025, students achieved top ranks, including 1, 7, and 10.
Note: These results in GATE exam highlight the programme’s ability to prepare students for one of India’s most competitive exams. The exam opens doors to master’s programmes in institutes like the IITs, NITs, and IISc.
Final Thought
With emphasis on real-world applications, industry connections, and a comprehensive academic framework, the IIT Madras BS in Data Science and Applications programme paves the way for a variety of careers in diverse domains. From top ranks in GATE exam to higher education opportunities and strong job placements, the programme also ensures that students leave IIT Madras with a competitive edge in their careers.
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Questions related to IIT Madras (IITM)
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to IIT Madras (IITM) ?
Hello Aspirant,
When applying to BS in Medical Sciences and Engineering at IIT Madras via the IAT (IISER Aptitude Test) for the OBC-NCL Female category, the suggested ranks and marks can differ every year depending on the level of difficulty or how many took the exam. However, based on the trends from year-to-year:
- Safe Rank: Within the overall OBC-NCL Female rank of the top 850–1000 would be classified as a competitive rank.
- Safe Marks: With a mark of around 120–140 marks out of 180 will increase your chances very significantly.
Hello aspirant,
To get admission in the Dual Degree Aerospace Engineering (B.Tech + M.Tech) program at IIT Madras through JEE Advanced under the female quota, you should aim for a rank around 6000 to 6300 based on the previous year’s trends. In 2025, the closing rank for female supernumerary seats for this program was approximately 6279. It’s always advisable to aim for a better rank to increase your chances of getting into this prestigious program. Keep an eye on the official JoSAA counselling schedule for updated cutoffs.
All the best for your preparation and future!
Hello,
Yes, If you work hard and study regularly, you can definitely crack JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
IIT Madras is tough, but many students from state boards have made it with good preparation. Focus on understanding concepts well, practice lots of questions, and solve previous years’ papers.
Also, try to join a good coaching or online classes if possible. Believe in yourself and stay consistent. You have a good chance!
Hope it helps !
With a preparatory rank of 3935, your chances of getting a seat at IIT Madras are unlikely. While a preparatory rank can sometimes lead to admission in less competitive IITs or specific courses, 3935 is a high rank within the preparatory category, and IIT Madras is one of the most sought-after IITs.
Preparatory Courses:
IITs offer preparatory courses for SC, ST, and PwD students who didn't qualify for regular IIT programs but have a qualifying rank in JEE Advanced.
Limited Seats:
The number of seats in preparatory courses is limited, and the competition for these seats can be high, especially for the most prestigious IITs.
Rank Significance:
A rank of 3935 within the preparatory category means you're among the lower-ranked candidates within that group, and IIT Madras is highly selective even within the preparatory program.
Factors Influencing Admission:
Besides rank, other factors like category, branch preferences, and the specific IIT's admission policies can influence seat allocation.
Alternative Options:
If you don't get a seat at IIT Madras, explore other IITs with more lenient admission criteria or consider NITs or other engineering colleges where you might have better chances.
Hello Aspirant,
If you get admitted into the B.S. program at IIT Madras this year and this year happens to be your first JEE Advanced attempt, then yes, you will remain eligible to take JEE Advanced again next year if you satisfy the other eligibility norms laid down by the conducting authorities of the exam. The important thing is that the candidate gets two chances at JEE Advanced at the most, and these chances have to come within two successive years from the year when they first appeared for the test. Since you are trying for the first time, you have one chance remaining for the next year.
But once you are admitted into an IIT undergraduate course, you cannot sit for JEE Advanced again to get into the same course. But if you are interested in a different course or a double degree (such as B.Tech + M.Tech), you may want to look up the particular rules from the JEE Advanced official website or the IITs.
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